Effect of supplementing probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic on economics in weaned Gir calves
Author(s): Monika R Parmar, Mulraj D Odedra, Harish H Savsani, Vijay K Karangiya and Viral V Gamit
Abstract: Dairy calves are widely recognized as the future of the herd. Thus, management approaches have an impact on calf performance. The use of probiotic, prebiotics and synbiotic may be a viable option to increase the proliferation of commensal bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, modulate feeding behaviour, and optimize calf health. Twenty-four weaned Gir calves (4-6 month old) were distributed into four equal homogenous groups on the basis of their live body weight and sex in completely randomized design (CRD). The control (T1) group was offered a basal diet consisting of concentrate, green sorghum and dry fodder (Groundnut haulms) without any additional supplementation, while T2, T3 and T4 groups were supplemented basal diet with probiotic @ 10 gm/calf/day, prebiotic @ 10 gm/calf/day, symbiotic @ 20 gm/calf/day, respectively, for a period of 180 days. Average cost (?/kg body weight gain) were 122.78±13.60, 79.01±3.40, 85.37±4.90 and 82.80±6.89 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Average costs of feeding (?/calf/day) was non-significantly (p?0.05) affected by all the treatments. Average costs (?/kg body weight gain) was significantly (p?0.002) affected by different treatments groups. Supplementation of probiotic has reduced cost/Kg gain by 35.64 percent, synbiotic supplementation has reduced cost/Kg gain by 32.56 percent and prebiotic supplementation has reduced cost/Kg gain by 30.46 percent as compared to control group.
